Vintage Massive JUDITH LEIBER Monkey Necklace
By Judith Leiber
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Massive JUDITH LEIBER Monkey Necklace Measurements: Height: 7.08 inches (18 cm) Width: 3.18 inches (8.1 cm) Wearable Length: 21.06 inches (53....
When it comes to handbags, no designer can compete with Judith Leiber’s ability to create magic using opulent crystals and wildly imaginative and playful shapes. The Hungarian-born designer's lauded vintage minaudières (small, decorative handbags, often without handles or a strap) were made in the form of crystal-covered swans, cupcakes, lipstick, wads of cash, teddy bears and other delightful objects.
These dazzling objets d’art have been regularly seen in the hands of First Ladies, movie stars on the red carpet and even in the prestigious collections of institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art. And like many pathbreaking inventions in the history of design, Leiber's purses and minaudières were the result of a happy accident.
In 1967, Leiber began working on her first metal handbag. The piece in question was named the Chatelaine, and the design was a graceful drop-shaped purse in gold-tinted metal. But when the samples came in, Leiber saw that the bottom of the bag looked greenish and discolored as a result of the plating process. She had the ingenious idea of applying crystal rhinestones to the base to cover up the flaws. The fabulous bag was a huge success and would become her trademark.
Born Judith Peto in Budapest, Leiber overcame many hardships before her breakthrough. At the start of World War II, she was working at the Pessl handbag company in Budapest where she quickly climbed the ranks to become a master craftswoman. When the war escalated, she and her Jewish family were forced by the Nazis to live in a cellar of a ghetto, and several of her relatives were killed in concentration camps.
“I designed handbags in my head to get through the misery,” Leiber said.
After the liberation of Budapest, she married Gerson “Gus” Leiber, an American GI, and moved to New York. In 1948, she began working for the fashion house Nettie Rosenstein. One of Leiber's first major pieces was the handbag embroidered with glittering rhinestones and pearls carried by Mamie Eisenhower at the 1953 inaugural ball. In 1963, she finally set up her own company.
Leiber’s whimsical designs embellished with Swarovski crystals and semiprecious stones defied traditional notions of luxury handbags. She also created striking clutches and bags with leather and fine textiles from around the world. In her 65-year career, she designed over 3,500 bags, which have been worn by First Ladies including Nancy Reagan and Laura Bush, pop icons like Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez and celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner (who collects Judith Leiber bags).
In 2005, the Leiber Collection Museum opened in East Hampton, New York, as a permanent space to showcase her work. The minaudières remain coveted objects that are celebrated worldwide for their eclectic beauty and glamorous charm.
The value of a good handbag cannot be overstated — find vintage Judith Leiber shoulder bags, crossbody bags, sunglasses and other fashion accessories today on 1stDibs.
Vintage Massive JUDITH LEIBER Monkey Necklace
By Judith Leiber
Located in Kingersheim, Alsace
Vintage Massive JUDITH LEIBER Monkey Necklace Measurements: Height: 7.08 inches (18 cm) Width: 3.18 inches (8.1 cm) Wearable Length: 21.06 inches (53....
Christian Dior Gold-Tone Bow-Pendant Necklace
By Christian Dior
Located in Paris, FR
Dior gold-tone rhinestone-detailing bow-pendant necklace featuring bow pendant, heart charm, rhinestone detailing, signature CD logo charm, adjustable fit, rope chain, lobster claw f...
I am the Vine Stories in a Circle Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace
By Vicki Orr Designs
Located in Naples, FL
"I am the Vine" two tone sterling silver and 22k yellow gold Christian pendant from the Vicki Orr Stories in a Circle Collection. Design inspired b...
Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Yellow Prehnite with Tahitian Pearl and Diamonds Paradizia Necklace N3851
By Paradizia
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Description Rare, large, one of a kind, artisan cut yellow Prehnite, surrounded with pave diamonds and enhanced with an exquisite rare tri-tone pistachio Tahitian pearl drop. Item # ...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Rhodium, Sterling Silver, Gold
Art Deco Aquamarine and Pearl 18 Carat Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous pendant has a delicate design and this pendant features two aqua stones and holds small seed pearls. The round stones measures 40pts and he smaller drop measures 50pts....
Aquamarine, Pearl, Gold
Chaumet Jeux de Liens Necklace Diamond 18K White Gold
By Chaumet
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301847 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2021 RRP £3,560 Incl. Taxes / € 4210 Incl. Taxes / $4,300 Excl. Taxes Model 82215000 Serial Number 19***** Metal 18k White Gold Sto...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Blue Enamel and Pearl 9 Carat Gold Locket Pendant
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The enamel on this pendant is stunning blue. The front holds a portrait surrounded bu a gold frame and clue enamel, finished with a pearl halo. The back of the locket has a hinged gl...
Pearl, Gold, Enamel
Emeralds Maravellous Colombian Emerald Solitaire Pendant Drop Necklace in 18k
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Pear Shape Colombian Emerald Solitaire Pendant Drop Necklace in 18K Yellow Gold This fine necklace features a medium-fine green natural Colom...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1980s Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Chain Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Necklace in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. This feminine vintage necklace features a filed curb chain with a spring ring clasp. On the front, a cascading motif is created...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,061
Dm 0.4 in L 17.33 in
Boucheron Quatre Red Edition Mini Pendant Necklace Diamond 18K Rose Yellow White
By Boucheron
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301845 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2023 RRP £3,140 Incl. Taxes / €3,760 Incl. Taxes / $3,970 Excl. Taxes Model Quatre Red Edition Serial Number S0**** Metal 18k Yello...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,492
H 0.6 in W 0.79 in D 0.16 in L 17.72 in
Handcrafted 18 Karat Gold Pink Tourmaline Diamond Heart Pendant Love Necklace
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini "Open your Heart" Collection Handcrafted 18 Karat Yellow Gold 5.2 Karat Pink Tourmaline 0.03 Diamond Heart Pendant Love Necklace The perfect gift for a special day, this is a gift she will remember forever and never take off. A timeless pink heart pendant...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Moon Necklace
Located in Great Neck, NY
This fun moon necklace is made of 18 karat yellow gold totaling 1.8 grams. The moon is adorned with 78 round VS quality GH Color beautiful diamonds that total 0.23 carats. The diamon...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Large South Sea Pearl with Diamonds on Gold Chain Necklace N1859
By Paradizia
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Description Large 23x18.5mm South Sea pearl with diamonds suspended from an exquisite handmade 14k yellow gold link chain. Item # N1859 ...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold
Judith Leiber Gold Skinny Stretch Waist Belt
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Product Details: Gold skinny stretchy waist belt by Judith Leiber. Rhinestone-embellished clasp closure at front. 25" length. Condition: Pre-owned. Very good. Little to no signs of ...
Judith Leiber Gold Drop Necklace with Purse Charms
By Judith Leiber
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Judith Leiber drop necklace has a thick chain with small coin purse charms all around. It is in excellent condition with minimal wear. Measurements...
Goldtone Judith Leiber Purse Necklace
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
Goldtone purse charm necklace by Judith Leiber. Twist-lock purse charm. Clasp closure.
Judith Leiber Unique Foo Dog Brooch Pendant Necklace ca 1980s
By Judith Leiber
Located in University City, MO
Judith Leiber Unique foo dog brooch / pendant necklace The versatile design transitions from an exotic brooch depicting an ornate gilt metal foo dog's...
Judith Leiber Vintage 1970s 70s Signed Etruscan Statment Necklace
By Judith Leiber
Located in Sparks, NV
Phenomenal oversized Etruscan gilded statement necklace by Judith Leiber. The necklace is made up of six hinged pieces and is finished by "fringe" at the bottom of the piece. It is s...
JUDITH LEIBER Goldtone Chain Link Medallion Necklace
By Judith Leiber
Located in New York, NY
JUDITH LEIBER Goldtone Chain Link Medallion Necklace Materials: goldtone metal. Features four strand goldtone chainlink necklace with oversized paneled medallion. Slide lock closur...